According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC), tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and causes more than 440,000 deaths each year. Every day, nearly 4,000 young people under the age of 18 try their first cigarette.

The Prevention Programs and Alternative Education Department has compiled information on the various health risks of tobacco and ways you can help prevent its use and help those who are already addicted to stop.

Basic Health Consequences

Slows the growth and development of the lung

Causes cough production

Increases respiratory illnesses

Increases carbon monoxide in the blood which robs the blood of oxygen

Decreases athletic ability

Changes fat content in blood to favor early coronary heart disease

Stains the lungs black

Additional Tobacco Facts

All tobacco products have nicotine. Nicotine is a poison.

Cigarette smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals in it.

Smokers as young as 18 have shown signs of heart disease.

Using tobacco damages the parts of your lungs that carry oxygen to your heart.

Actions Parents Can Take

Talking directly to children about the risks of tobacco use

Talking about tobacco use to children at age 5 or 6 and continuing through their high school years (Many kids start using tobacco by age 11 and many are addicted by age 14)

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